THE SILENCE OF THE CHURCHES
- Well? Was that good? - Yes.
Did you like the boat? Great.
Up you come.
- Thanks, Alain. - See you again in a fortnight?
- If that works for you. - That's fine by me.
Have a safe journey home.
- Goodbye. - Bye.
Come on.
- Shall we call in on Granny? - Won't that make us late?
It's not much of a detour.
We'll just pop in and say hello.
- She'll like that. - OK.
Come on.
Put your seatbelt on.
I am now joined by Father Vincey
who conducts the famous Saint-Pancrace school choir.
Thank you for coming on the programme.
First, let's hear an extract from the new CD of your choir.
It's called "The Voice of Angels" and it has already been a big hit.
Are you OK, Daddy?
Daddy, watch out!
Darling.
- Are you OK? I got such a fright. - It's broken.
- What is? - My Game Boy is broken.
I'll buy you another one, poppet.
Wait here while I talk to Daddy.
They've X-rayed him. Nothing's broken.
That's good.
- I'm sorry, Anna. - And I'm tired, Gabriel.
I don't even have the strength to be angry.
What's our boy meant to do if I flip my lid too?
You think I'm strong but I'm not strong.
I'm about to lose my job because of you.
What's going on in your head?
I hadn't been drinking.
I swear I hadn't been drinking.
How am I meant to trust you with Romain again?
- How am I meant to trust you? - Mummy!
Coming. I'm just coming.
- Do you want a drink? - Why are you always running away?
Why isn't it working? Why is nothing simple?
- Nothing's ever simple. - Stop it.
Never!
- Bloody machine! - Please!
- What? - Calm down.
- Come on. - I almost killed my son today.
I don't give a fuck about your crappy machine!
- Romain! - Daddy!
- It's OK, it's OK. - Daddy!
They promised to repair the lift three months ago.
Nothing works in this block any more.
Are you listening, Gabriel?
Sorry.
I almost forgot. Look what I bought today.
Apparently they're selling like hot cakes.
- Do you think he's aged? - I need to go.
Already? Am I boring you?
- I must be boring you. - You're not, Mum. It's just...
Just what?
Are you OK?
- Yes, I'm fine. - Sit down.
- What did the cardiologist say? - I'm seeing him on Thursday.
I'm fine. Just go if you're in a rush. Go on.
- Are you sure? - Yes, I'm fine.
Bye, Mum.
Wait. Here, take it.
I bought it for you. Here.
Hi, Mum. Are you OK?
Yes. No, I haven't been able to call in.
No, it's not that. I've found a job.
I'm going to have to go away for a few days...
to meet a client.
Yes.
They've repaired the lift? Great.
Right...
Yes, I'm fine, I promise.
I'm fine.
I've got to go, Mum.
Me too.
How many nights are you staying?
About a week.
"About"?
There are some tickets left for Saturday.
Those kids are amazing. They've toured the world.
Right, you're in Room 6 on the second floor.
There's no lift. Breakfast is served until 10am.
- Don't you have any luggage? - No.
Hello.
- Thanks. - Happy to be of service.
Come on, Gabriel.
15 YEARS EARLIER...
Come on, hurry up. We'll be late.
And you'd better behave this time.
Come on.
Over here.
Excuse me. I'm looking for Father Vincey, the headmaster.
He's the guy who just blew the whistle.
I'm very sorry, but he is too far behind.
My son has been through a bad patch but he's a clever boy.
He just lacks confidence.
It's not that simple. The level here is very high.
And there is the issue of theft.
That was stupid but he regrets it.
- Don't you, Gabriel? - Yes.
Did you want the bike that badly?
My father had promised to buy me one.
My husband walked out on us.
Naturally, it has been upsetting for him.
I understand but I can't take him.
I'm sorry.
But you have a choir, don't you?
- Yes. - Gabriel loves singing.
He even won a competition.
- Is it true that you like singing? - A bit.
He's just being modest. Sing something for Father Vincey.
I don't want to.
Leave him be. We can't force him.
Anyway, it won't change a thing. He doesn't want me here.
Please.
You have been given a gift from God, Gabriel.
Come in.
Hello, Father.
Miss Simart asked me to bring you this.
Thank you, Denis.
Good timing.
Meet Gabriel.
He has a wonderful voice.
You'll be in the same class. Show him round the school.
Thank you, Father.
Don't think your "wonderful voice" makes you special.
His choir sucks, anyway.
This way.
Hello.
Hello, Father.
Coffee, Father?
No, thanks. I've had three already.
Here. L'Équipe, please.
Did you see the match? We were unlucky with that penalty.
I'll end up thinking God doesn't love us.
Can't you do anything?
I've tried but what do you expect?
God must remain neutral.
Right. Have a good day.
Have a good day, Father.
Goodbye.
- Hello, Father. - Jean-François, Nicolas.
- I'm relying on you for Saturday. - Don't worry, we'll be there.
- Let's not fight. - "Let's not fight."
- He's like a girl. Don't you think? - Yes.
- A right sissy. - Let go of me.
That will do. Stop it.
We know your game.
What game?
That's right, act dumb.
You won't get away with it.
Denis!
That's no way to treat the new boy.
All right, Gabriel?
Yes.
- Why did they hit you? - We were just playing.
Get out of here. We'll sort this out later.
Not you, Gabriel.
Come on. We'll go to the sick bay.
This will sting a bit.
- All right? - Yes.
Don't worry. They'll soon calm down.
I'll make sure no one else bothers you.
There, all done.
I missed my father too.
I too got into all sorts of trouble.
I thought, "My father's left because I'm worthless."
Then one day I met God.
I felt important in his eyes. I started talking to him.
In my bed, everywhere. I found it comforting.
Can I go back to my class?
Yes.
- Gabriel? - Father?
Come here.
Are you still interested in the choir?
I don't know.
There's a rehearsal on Friday. You're welcome to come along.
You don't seem very pleased.
- It's my mother. - What about her?
She's desperate for you to sing in the choir.
It's her new job.
She has to work evenings so I look after my brother.
Really?
Well, I'll see what I can do.
All right?
Have you come to look round?
Yes.
You're in luck. Five minutes later and I'd have gone.
The bedrooms are upstairs.
It obviously needs a bit of work but...
it has real potential.
Well? Do you like the house?
It's great. I'll get my very own room at last.
- Shh. You'll disturb Mrs Décazes. - Not at all.
The one thing missing in this house is children's voices.
Let's go into the garden, boys.
Yes!
Father... it's ages since I saw my children this happy.
I don't know how to thank you.
Why do you want to thank me?
You've got work.
I've got Gabriel for the choir.
Everyone's happy.
I didn't know such men existed.
Promise me one thing, Mrs Goffin.
Whatever you do, don't fall in love with him.
Just a minute, please.
Thank you for joining us, Gabriel.
Here. Stand over there.
If you can't read music, follow the others.
Let's go back.
Let's go back to where you come in, Denis.
Again.
The same place.
Right, we'll stop there for today.
Stay here, Denis, please.
What's wrong?
Are you worried about something?
No.
Is there something you want to tell me?
No.
You've changed.
Not to mention your grades, which are catastrophic.
I'm not happy. You didn't practise your solo.
I did practise it.
Perhaps it's your voice, then.
Perhaps it's breaking.
You want to replace me,
don't you?
I didn't say that.
Come on. We need to talk.
- Right, well, good night. - Have a good evening.
Please, excuse me.
- I think someone's following me. - He follows me too, every night.
Every night, the bastard.
Can I help you?
Are you looking for something?
I should warn you, I have no money on me.
What is it you want?
Have you phoned Anna? I've left her three messages.
- She said she'd bring Romain round. - I'll phone her, Mum, I promise.
I'm going to have to go. I'm meeting a colleague.
All right, I'll leave you to it.
- Lots of love, Mum. - I love you.
Why are you following me like a little dog?
- I'm not following you. - Don't take me for a fool.
The house where your mum skivvies is in the other direction.
What have I ever done to you?
You're an idiot.
- Wait. - Let go of me.
I don't get it.
He was walking along. I drew level with him.
He stepped out in front of me. I honestly couldn't avoid him.
I told the council the pavements were too narrow.
He's not moving, poor lad.
I know him.
He's in my class.
His name's Denis Pourveur.
Is he seriously injured?
Come on.
Sorry to disturb you. Is this Mr and Mrs Pourveur's house?
Yes?
I'm Gabriel. I was in your son's class.
Can I talk to you for a minute?
Come in.
What is it you wanted to talk to us about?
It's a bit delicate.
Your son's death was no accident.
What do you mean, no accident?
Do you think the driver deliberately ran him over?
No.
Well, then?
Forgive me, but I don't want to stir all this up again.
Let him speak, Véronique.
I think someone drove him to throw himself under that car.
What?
What do you mean?
Did Denis talk about Father Vincey?
Yes, he often talked about him.
He really admired him. What's he got to do with it?
Before the tragedy was your son withdrawn?
Upset?
Sometimes aggressive?
Perhaps.
I think Father Vincey is to blame for Denis' death.
- I must ask you to leave. - Véronique!
Father Vincey abused several pupils at the school.
Denis and I were among his victims.
It's wrong to sully the church's reputation like that.
Father Vincey is an amazing man.
I saw him crying at my son's funeral.
Goodbye.
- Here's my phone number. - I won't be needing it.
I'll leave it anyway.
Hey.
Please excuse my wife. She's someone...
She's very religious.
She won't hear a word said against Father Vincey.
I understand perfectly. Everyone loved Father Vincey.
Wait.
There's a place up here where we can talk in private.
Denis tried to talk to us a few days before the accident.
It wasn't clear. He alluded to the priest.
My wife asked him to be quiet.
Denis had changed. He was always lying.
We barely recognised him.
If I'd been less narrow-minded,
my boy might still be here now.
I should have gone to the police.
I'm sorry.
Did you share your suspicions with anyone?
I went to see a vicar at the bishop's palace.
He listened to me.
He even introduced me to the bishop.
I didn't want it to go to court but I hoped he'd be investigated.
What happened?
Nothing.
Nothing happened.
Can I help you?
I'm looking for the headmaster.
Father Vincey isn't here just now.
It's best if you make an appointment.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
I understand your distress, Miss Simart.
We are all affected,
deeply affected by what has just happened.
Look, a 13-year-old drawing that. Can you imagine?
It's hardly proof that he ran out in front of that car deliberately.
I asked him if I could help him, if he wanted to talk.
- Did he say anything? - No, but I should have insisted.
Perhaps we should interview his parents.
Us sowing doubts in their minds won't help them.
Imagine how guilty they'll feel.
I'm sure this could have been avoided.
It was an accident.
It's terrible but... it was an accident.
All we can do is pray.
- Hello. - André.
Do I know you?
I was a pupil here.
- 1997. - 1997?
Forgive me. There have been so many pupils here.
Gabriel.
Gabriel Goffin.
Gabriel?
Well I never!
What are you doing here?
I was in the area. I wanted to...
say hello.
That's nice.
Good idea.
Gabriel Goffin. Amazing.
Isn't it just?
1997. That's...
15 years ago. How time flies.
Are you...?
- Are you working nearby? - I'm out of work.
Oh?
Well, as you can see, I'm still in the same place,
in the same job, a creature of habit.
So I see.
I can't believe you're here. It feels weird.
It feels weird for me too.
- Do you still sing? - No.
That's a pity.
I haven't even invited you into my office for a drink.
No, thank you. I can't just now.
But tonight... Tonight I can.
Listen...
All right.
Why not?
A parishioner gave me some ossobuco yesterday.
We could share it.
- All right. - Great.
See you later.
- How are you, Mum? - It's good to hear from you.
I haven't had the results yet,
but the consultant implied that they might not need to operate.
It's very good news.
What about you?
How's the new job going?
Fine.
My boss is pleased and it pays well.
Romain is on great form. Anna is sorry she hasn't been round.
She's planning a visit.
- Is something wrong? - I'm fine, honestly.
Are you sure?
Yes, don't start.
I'm fine.
- Do you love me? - Yes, I love you.
I've got to go, Mum.
- Take care. - You take care too.
- I'll be back soon. - Lots of love.
There.
That's what I meant by heartfelt.
That was it. It was spot-on.
It was perfect.
Your voice sounds effortless.
I'm bowled over, Gabriel.
I get shivers down my spine whenever you sing.
Can I...
ask you something very important?
Yes.
Would you agree to be my friend?
Your friend?
What's happening between us is very powerful.
Yes.
As soon as I saw you I sensed...
a genuine friendship was possible between us.
But we must protect ourselves from the world around us.
Anything we say to one another, anything we do together,
will be our secret.
All right? Only God, you and I...
will know how strong the bond between us is.
- Do you understand? - Yes.
Even your mother must not know.
All right?
All right.
Good.
Place your hand on the Bible
and swear that you will never reveal our secret.
I swear.
Come into my arms and let me hug you tight.
So? Is it going well?
Yes.
You have a wonderful son, Sophie.
He's very gifted.
He's lucky to have met you.
You've transformed him.
It's God who transforms us.
Come on.
That will do. You can go now.
And don't forget, the concert is in a week's time.
Wait.
Julien Pirson, I've told you before, you sing too loud.
Off you go.
Gabriel?
Coming?
I'm washing, Mum.
Still? You've been washing for 45 minutes.
I've told you before not to lock the bathroom door.
Gabriel?
Gabriel!
Yes, Miss?
Thank you for coming back down to earth.
You haven't drawn anything.
I'm sorry, Miss.
The rest of you can go.
And no talking, please.
You seem out of sorts.
Are you worried about something?
No, I'm OK. Everything's fine.
You would tell me if something was wrong?
Right.
Will you leave your drawing in my pigeon hole?
See you tomorrow.
Good night, poppet.
Don't you want a kiss?
Are you OK?
You seem angry with me.
Have I done something wrong? Is it something I said?
I'm tired, Mum.
All right.
Good night, my angel.
Is everything all right?
I don't know. He seems upset.
It's a pity. It was all going so well.
He's been out of sorts for a few weeks.
Has he said anything?
No.
I could spend more time with him if you like.
I could take him away for the weekend.
He might confide in me.
If you like, I'll go and talk to him now.
He may be asleep but I think he'd like that.
- I won't be long. - Thank you.
Gabriel?
Are you asleep?
What happened between us the other day was beautiful.
But if you don't want to do it again you have to tell me.
We'll pretend it never happened.
If you want me to stay, turn round.
Please.
Do you want me to go?
I hope she doesn't have to have an operation.
Having said that, they can perform miracles nowadays.
I've always had a lot of respect for your mother.
I'll go and see her if you like.
I'll check on the pasta.
Remind me what you're doing now?
Not much.
Apart from trying to commit suicide.
Shit.
But I couldn't even manage to do that.
I'm afraid it's overcooked.
I've prayed a lot for you.
- Have you? - Yes.
I'll serve you.
It feels weird to stick a gun in your mouth.
"Be careful. The trigger is sensitive."
That's what the guy who sold it to me said.
- You bought a gun? - Yes.
It's not as expensive as all that.
What do you want it for?
I don't know.
It's not clear in my head.
I went to Denis' grave. Denis Pourveur.
Remember?
Yes, of course.
What a tragedy.
Aren't you eating?
Do you know what I think?
I think he threw himself under that car.
He did what I wasn't able to do.
That's what Miss Simart thought too.
- What happened to her? - I don't know.
Why was she sacked? She was a good teacher.
I don't know.
It's all so long ago.
So long ago?
It feels like yesterday to me.
I'd like to be able to forget but it's here.
Here.
Constantly.
I remember everything.
Every detail, even the smell of you.
I could wash for 1,000 years and I'd still smell it on myself.
Did you come here to tell me that?
No.
I heard you the other day on the radio.
I was in the car with my son.
You have a son?
Yes.
His mother and I didn't plan it.
She wanted to keep him.
He's six already. He's a great lad.
Romain.
Romain?
That's a lovely name.
When I take him in my arms I feel guilty.
That's crazy, isn't it?
I feel dirty.
I'm scared.
I have bad thoughts.
I'm rotten inside.
I can't stay.
I can't breathe. I need to go.
Do you know what causes me the most suffering?
I feel as if I was your accomplice.
And that's the worst thing of all.
What do you plan to do?
- You're here, Father. - Yes, the nurse is absent.
But don't worry, I was a first-aider in the scouts.
- Show me. - It was the blade of a craft knife.
It doesn't look very deep.
There are days like that, when everything goes wrong.
- May I? - Yes, go ahead.
It will sting a bit.
You seem preoccupied, Miss Simart.
Yes, it's...
It's one of my pupils. I'm worried about him.
- Gabriel Goffin. - Gabriel? What has he done?
I spoke to the other teachers and they all agree.
His attitude changed a few weeks ago.
His mind's always elsewhere and he's very irritable.
If you want my opinion,
it's linked to Saturday's concert.
He's putting pressure on himself. He thinks of little else.
I'm sure you're right.
I'll put a plaster on it.
I'll talk to him.
There.
I think I've saved your hand. There'll be no need to amputate.
Thank you, Doctor.
Thank you for taking your work so seriously.
You are very attentive.
It's a real quality.
- Have a good day. - You too.
You can come out now.
Don't forget that you swore, Gabriel,
before God.
I didn't say anything.
Don't forget, Gabriel, that Jesus died on the cross
because he was betrayed.
I won't betray you.
Sorry I scared you, Gabriel.
I had a nightmare.
You've had a lot of nightmares lately.
Leave it. I'll do it.
Off you go.
What are you doing?
- Nothing. Go to sleep. - It's dangerous to play with glass.
- Don't tell Mum. - OK, but read "Peter Pan" to me.
"With the exception of one, all children grow up.
"They soon become aware of their destiny.
"Wendy, for example, knew at 12 that she was growing up..."
I've only got tea. Do you want some?
I've only got 20 minutes.
You sound so distant.
I barely know you.
Listen, Gabriel. I've spent years getting over this.
I can tell you,
if it happened again, I'd turn a blind eye, like the rest.
- I know why you're angry with me. - What are you talking about?
Gabriel, you're miles away.
What's changed? Can you tell me?
I don't know.
Has someone hurt you?
No.
- Are you scared? - No.
I can see you're hiding something.
I'm not cross with you, but...
it would help if you could trust me.
I don't know what you mean.
I don't understand you. He's right, you are a troublemaker.
Who says that? Who do you mean?
I don't know. Stop pestering me.
- Answer me. - Leave me alone.
Gabriel!
Miss?
Miss!
Yes, Gabriel?
- Are you really leaving? - Yes.
You must stay, Miss.
That's not possible. I've been sacked.
I thought you knew.
Goodbye, Gabriel.
I couldn't sleep for years
because of the look you gave me that day.
It was a cry for help
and I turned my back on you and said goodbye.
You don't understand.
It's my fault you lost your job.
I betrayed all those who tried to help me.
I'm no better than him.
I won't let you say that.
And don't let anyone else say such a thing either.
He's the monster.
No one else.
He broke us all.
Send that bastard to prison, Gabriel.
I tried to kill him the other day.
- But it's not easy. - Listen...
I never saw that gun
and you never came to find me.
Goodbye, Gabriel.
Killing him would be like giving him a gift.
That man doesn't deserve a gift.
Sorry to have kept you waiting.
I'm afraid I have very little time to give you.
I don't understand
why you want meet Monseigneur Peyrac.
So you were a pupil at Saint-Pancrace school.
Yes.
- And I was in the choir. - Really?
It's incredible how successful it's been.
Have you come to see us about the choir?
- If you like. - I'm all ears.
If someone came to see you and said they had proof
that a priest was abusing children in his care,
what would you do?
I'd ask to know more.
Why?
Pourveur.
Does the name mean anything to you?
- Yes, vaguely. - Denis Pourveur.
- He was in the choir. - That poor boy who was run over?
Denis had been raped by Father Vincey for months.
What are you talking about?
Those are serious allegations you're making.
I gather I'm not the first person to speak to you about it.
- Mr Pourveur came to see you. - He had no proof.
And his son was dead.
It's too easy to accuse someone.
Father Vincey swore it was slander to Monseigneur Peyrac.
Poor Denis had behavioural problems.
Witnesses said he was a compulsive liar.
If another of Father Vincey's victims came to you,
would you hush up the case again?
- We didn't hush anything up. - What, then?
Listen...
if you can convince the victim you speak of
to bear witness,
I will set up a meeting with the bishop.
Meanwhile, I'm afraid I must say goodbye.
Another child could be being abused by Father Vincey as we speak.
A child who doesn't dare speak out.
Because he's ashamed.
A child who might throw himself under a car like Denis.
And you will be responsible.
Tell your witness to come quickly
and I will take action, I promise.
Goodbye, sir.
I was raped by Father Vincey for three years.
The first time I was only 12.
I have remained silent for years.
But I can't any more.
When can we contact you?
At the Centrale.
Room 6.
What are you doing here? Everyone wants to congratulate you.
I don't deserve it.
What are you talking about? It was wonderful.
Be careful, Gabriel. False modesty is a sin.
Come on.
Today God sang through you.
I had a lovely evening, Gabriel.
I'm proud of you.
- Am I disturbing you? - Of course not. How could you?
I'll leave you.
I have to go to Paris this weekend. Would you like to come with me?
Gabriel?
Can we see the Eiffel Tower?
Yes, of course.
- That's agreed, then? - Agreed.
I love you.
I love you so much.
Hello?
Gabriel?
Yes.
It's André.
I know. I recognise your voice.
Can we talk?
All right, but only in the presence of Monseigneur Peyrac.
I think it's best if we talk in private.
I can come to your hotel if you like.
Fuck off!
I understand your distress.
I don't think you do.
What do you expect from us, Mr Goffin?
I don't know.
Isn't it a crime to abuse a 12-year-old boy
in the eyes of the law?
Do you want him to go to prison?
I don't know.
I think you're a generous man, Mr Goffin.
If you could read my mind, you wouldn't say so.
The best lesson Christ taught us
is forgiveness,
forgiveness of our enemies.
forgiveness of those who hurt us.
I think you are on the verge of forgiveness, Mr Goffin.
Can I bring Father Vincey in?
Yes.
Hatred,
the desire for revenge,
makes those who suffer even more wretched.
Only forgiveness can release you.
Hello, Gabriel.
Hello.
Go ahead, Father Vincey. Say what you have to say.
Nothing can excuse what I did.
I saw you.
I heard you sing.
And I lost all sense of reason.
It was as if...
I had been bewitched.
So I am to blame?
That's not what I meant.
I wasn't prepared for what I felt for you.
It turned my life upside down.
I was possessed by the devil.
The devil led me into temptation and...
I succumbed.
I didn't know what I was doing.
I beg your forgiveness.
Will he stop working with children?
- Forever? - We'll be vigilant.
You made that promise to Denis Pourveur's father.
And you didn't keep it.
Nothing happened between Denis and me.
Do you swear in front of the cross?
Of course you do. You've done far worse.
The case of Denis Pourveur is very different.
It was impossible to know whether the boy was lying or not.
Do you honestly think he stopped at Denis and me?
He takes us and discards us when we start to become men.
- You were the only one. - Really?
What about Julien Pirson?
Who is Julien Pirson?
The boy who replaced me.
The new favourite.
You ruined my life, André.
You made me feel dirty when I experience pleasure.
I'm ashamed.
I can't stop thinking about the way you touched me.
And all the terrible things you made me do.
- Look! - Oh, God!
- Look what you've done. - Gabriel! Please don't do that.
I'm not even sure you'd suffer.
You're just a manipulator.
Father Vincey will no longer work with children.
You have my word.
Killing yourself won't help. On the contrary.
People will say you're unhinged.
You're wary of me. I understand.
But we need you.
It took courage to come to us.
Don't ruin everything with a desperate act.
Gabriel.
Gabriel!
If tomorrow...
I haven't got a written confession
listing all the horrors you subjected me to
I swear I'll make your life hell.
The boy he mentioned, Julien Pirson.
Is he the MP's son?
Yes, he's a lawyer now.
I won't abandon you, André.
A shepherd doesn't abandon the sheep in his flock.
Yes?
Gabriel Goffin? It's Father Daubresse.
Monseigneur Peyrac would like to see you again.
- Has Father Vincey killed himself? - No.
Has he written his confession?
Not yet.
- Phone me when it's done. - Wait.
If you think there might be other victims, come.
Please.
I'm coming.
Here is the letter that will be sent to Monseigneur Vidal today.
He will receive Father Vincey and find him a quiet place
away from temptation.
How do I know you'll send it?
I can hardly remain impassive after everything you've said.
I must protect him from himself.
It's as if he's the victim.
By sending him away I'll be protecting everyone.
- And the written confession? - I want to avoid a scandal.
A scandal would harm everyone, including your family.
Your mother.
Have you discussed this with your mother?
No.
Imagine her shame on seeing your photo on the front pages.
The letter will leave today.
I promise you.
Here.
I'll sign it.
Father Daubresse will see to the rest.
Excuse me, Father.
I thought Monseigneur Peyrac had left the lights on.
I was just leaving.
- Good evening, Jean. - Good evening, Father.
- Thank you. - Bye.
Can I have a word, Mr Goffin?
- Come on. - No, not here.
It's very important.
This correspondence is between Messeigneurs Peyrac and Leduc.
Monseigneur Leduc asks his colleague to take in a lost sheep.
When was it written?
Five years before your arrival at Saint-Pancrace school.
First Monseigneur Peyrac sent Father Vincey to work in a library.
He was meant to see a psychiatrist once a week.
He only went once.
Bastard!
I knew it.
You people are all the same.
Seek justice from the law.
- It's the only way. - Justice? What justice?
Please don't do anything stupid.
You have all the proof you need.
- Get out of my car. - Gabriel.
Get out of my car, now!
Mr Pirson? Gabriel Goffin is here.
Ah, yes. Show him in.
Gabriel?
I barely recognise you.
Hello, Julien.
- Are you well? - Oh, you know. Working hard.
A three-month old baby.
It's amazing what we can cope with.
Have a seat.
What brings you here?
Do you remember Father Vincey?
Sort of.
Is he in trouble?
Let's just say he might be about to be.
In big trouble.
If I see this through.
I don't understand.
He abused me.
It's taken me ten years to be able to talk about it.
It's such a relief.
Father Vincey!
That's incredible.
Yes, it is incredible.
Have you pressed charges?
Not yet.
I wanted to see you first.
The worst thing isn't what he did to me physically.
He got into my head.
He made me think I was as guilty as him.
The bastard gave me pleasure
and I got addicted to it.
I got pleasure out of it.
But I disgusted myself.
- Do you remember the number? - 108.
Here.
- Not too tired? - No.
The best part of the day.
A nice bath.
Nice and hot with lots of bubbles.
Here.
We were almost like a couple.
No wonder it's so hard to talk about it.
Listen, Gabriel.
I appreciate your candour.
It takes real courage to do what you're doing.
- But I'm not the lawyer you need. - Really?
I thought you'd be best placed to understand me.
I'll refer you to a colleague.
He's used to such cases. I'll call him if you like.
Here. That's his mobile number.
Julien...
We'll get him for this. I've got proof.
Obviously, it would be better if other victims bore witness too.
Yes.
Obviously it would.
Right.
- Thank you for seeing me, Julien. - Don't mention it.
What's wrong, Gabriel?
Is there a problem?
Come and sit down, Mum.
I'm carving the chicken. Can't it wait?
No, it can't wait.
Come and sit down.
You scare me when you look at me like that.
Please sit down.
I have something difficult to tell you about Father Vincey.
- Is he dead? - No, he's not dead.
You scared me.
It's worse than that.
Worse?
I should have told you ages ago. I tried several times but...
But you loved him so much.
- I was sure you'd call me a liar. - I don't understand.
I'm pressing charges against him.
- There will be a trial. - A trial?
Did you never ask yourself why he kept coming to my room?
Did you think it was to talk about my problems or what?
I'm sorry, Mum, but that man has done me a lot of harm.
And not just me.
Mum.
Dinner's ready.
It wasn't your fault, Mum.
Everyone fell for it. Everyone loved him.
It's my fault. I should have told you.
I must go. I'm meeting the lawyer tomorrow.
I won't be back tonight.
Goodbye, Mum.
- You wanted to talk to me. - Leave us.
I need your help, Daubresse.
Father Vincey's file has gone missing.
You haven't seen it, have you?
Daubresse?
- You lied to me. - I beg your pardon?
You knew Father Vincey had been accused of child abuse
when he was a French teacher.
He was sacked and you took him into your bishopric.
You gave him a job at Saint-Pancrace.
And you let him become headmaster.
You knew everything
and you did nothing.
You lied to me.
I didn't lie to you. I protected you.
- Protected me? - I spared you any doubts.
A guilty conscience and all that.
- I took it all on myself. - You let him work with children.
Father Vincey had therapy. I thought he was cured.
Every man has the right to a second chance.
The father of that poor boy came to see us.
The child was a compulsive liar.
And what gives you the right to preach to me?
You searched my office like a petty thief.
That's true.
- I don't recognise you, Daubresse. - Nor I you.
It's all very well playing at dispensing justice.
I am confronted daily by priests who are suffering,
suffering from loneliness.
I try to do my best.
What about those children?
We'll discuss this once you've calmed down.
I will only calm down if you see Gabriel Goffin again.
I will only calm down if you look him in the eye and say,
"I am sorry.
"I knew and I did nothing."
You're out of your mind, Daubresse.
Imagine the scandal.
It is the Church's honour that is at stake.
Silence will not wash away the shame hanging over us.
Mr Goffin.
- Hello. - Hello.
I've been summoned by the examining magistrate.
I refused to stand by Father Vincey.
I hear you have a case against the bishop too.
For failing to assist a person in danger.
That's good. The Church needs to open its eyes.
I'll tell the judge all I know.
Thank you.
What will you do?
I think the silence of a monastery is what I need just now.
Goodbye, Gabriel.
The accused, André Vincey, has been found guilty
of having committed, by force or by surprise,
acts of sexual penetration on the person of Gabriel Goffin,
a minor not yet 15 at the time of the crime,
in circumstances where he had authority over him
as headmaster of a school establishment.
The crown court sentences, by an absolute majority of jurors,
the accused, André Vincey, to 15 years' imprisonment.
Article 434 of the penal code
places an obligation to denounce
on anyone who has knowledge
of the sexual abuse of minors aged 15 or under.
Claude Peyrac, bishop by profession,
had no right to remain silent.
The information he received on several occasions
about the actions of André Vincey
should not have been kept secret.
The court finds Claude Peyrac guilty
of not denouncing the abuse of a minor aged under 15.
He will receive a three-month suspended sentence.
Straight on, Skipper.
America here we come!
Don't let go of that tiller, Skipper!
SUBTITLES: RED BEE MEDIA FRANCE